How to Grow Younger with the Right Attitude

What if the key to aging well had less to do with your genes or diet, and everything to do with your mindset? In remote Mediterranean villages, researchers have discovered that the people who live the longest and stay the healthiest don’t just eat olives and take long walks—they fiercely hold on to a powerful belief: that they are in control of their lives. Now, new science suggests this mental grip on daily life might be the real secret to vitality and longevity. Could your attitude be your greatest anti-aging tool?

Key Takeaways

• Control Equals Youthfulness: Older adults who feel a greater sense of control over their daily lives tend to feel younger, even when dealing with health issues.

• Mindfulness Builds Mental Power: Mindfulness and meditation help train the brain to resist impulses and build emotional resilience, key elements for maintaining control and reducing aging-related stress.

• Sleep and Movement Matter: Good sleep and regular physical activity reinforce a sense of autonomy and emotional stability, which can delay the physical and mental effects of aging.

Train Your Brain to Fight Aging

When researchers investigated why some folks age better and stay healthier longer than others, they were surprised to find that one powerful factor in their favor can be simple: attitude.

The evidence from these studies shows that it’s vital to work on developing an anti-aging attitude if you want to live the best, longest life possible. Fortunately, adopting the right attitude is easy when you have the right tools.

So, what is this fountain-of-youth frame of mind that researchers have uncovered?

It’s simply maintaining a healthy independence and sense of control over your life.

Researchers at North Carolina State University have shown that older adults feel younger than their age when they feel that they have more control over their day-to-day actions, and this holds true even in the face of serious health issues.¹

"We recently found that there are things older adults can do to improve their feelings of control in their everyday lives," says researcher ShevaunNeupert, a professor of psychology at North Carolina State. "Now our study highlights how those feelings of control influence perceptions of age. The more control older adults think they have, the younger they feel."

The Mediterranean Longevity Diet’s “Missing Link”

By now, you’ve no doubt heard about some of the world’s longest-living people who reside near the Mediterranean Sea. The research has largely focused on their diet and active lifestyle.

Now, a study of long-lived Italians who live in remote villages between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea also reveals important information about their attitude. The science shows that they maintain a sense of control over their daily lives that helps them feel healthier and more vital well into old age.²

This research on people aged 90 to 101 found, according to researcher Dilip V. Jeste, that “the unique features associated with better mental health of this rural population were positivity, work ethic, stubbornness and a strong bond with family, religion and land."

The subjects of this study consistently maintain their belief that they can cling to their way of life no matter what, and it keeps them going as they age.

“Most of them are still working in their homes and on the land. They think, 'This is my life and I'm not going to give it up,'" says researcher Anna Scelzo.

Train Your Mind for More Control

Whether you live a rural life like those Italians or you’re caught up in the business of city living, you can train your mind to positively influence your longevity.

Studies on mindfulness training and meditation show that being more mindful can help you feel more in control of your life.

An investigation at City, University of London, for instance, shows that mindfulness can give you more mental power to resist food cravings and fight back against the impulse to smoke or indulge in recreational drugs that could damage your health.³

Mindfulness meditation does this, according to the researchers, by using mental exercises that give you a greater awareness of bodily sensations and help you develop an attitude of control over yourself with an acceptance of uncomfortable feelings. That helps you see yourself as separate from undesirable thoughts and emotions and gives you more control over them – and your life.

A study in Denmark shows that mindfulness can also help you defy fear and keep the things that leave you feeling fearful and anxious from controlling your actions and responses.⁴

Don’t Skimp on Sleep

Sleep is an important tool to maintain control over your life. According to the North Carolina State researcher ShevaunNeupert, “Sleep, mood, and stress are all important factors in determining a sense of control and in whether older adults feel they can do the things they want to do.”⁵

A study in Norway demonstrates that when you don’t get enough sleep, you deplete the positive emotions you need to maintain the sense of control that’s so vital for staying healthier, mentally and physically, as you age.⁶

As researcher IngvildSaksvik-Lehouillier of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology puts it, “Participants in our study experienced a flattening of emotions when they slept less than normal. They felt less joy, enthusiasm, attention, and fulfillment.”

Along with sleep, getting extra physical activity also helps you feel more in control of things. And exercise gives you double the benefits. It both relieves stress and helps you sleep better at night.

Summary

Researchers have uncovered a powerful link between attitude and aging. Studies show that older adults who feel in control of their lives feel younger, stay healthier, and live longer. From remote Italian villages to modern mindfulness training, the ability to maintain emotional balance, resist unhealthy impulses, and get good sleep all contribute to a sense of autonomy that supports long-term vitality. And the best part? Anyone can build this anti-aging mindset with the right tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a sense of control impact aging?

Feeling in control boosts emotional health and makes older adults feel younger and more capable, even in the face of health challenges.

Can mindfulness affect how we age?

Yes, mindfulness helps improve impulse control and emotional regulation, both of which support healthier habits and reduced stress as we age.

Why do people in Mediterranean villages live longer?

Beyond diet and activity, their longevity is linked to a strong sense of independence, family connection, and belief in controlling their own life.

What role does sleep play in maintaining control?

Good sleep supports positive emotions, lowers stress, and helps maintain a stable mood—all essential for feeling in control and aging well.

How can I build an anti-aging mindset?

Start with mindfulness training, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and fostering a belief in your ability to manage your daily life and choices.